Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

"Their numbers don\'t make them look like they are planning an invasion, but they used such tricks before to decrease our forces," Rain said. "I need to investigate the other areas for signs of monsters during the day, but I also need to know what kind of creatures have been sighted. I also didn\'t find signs of the investigation team, so I need to know what you told them before they left."

"... I told them that the monsters that had been sighted were werewolves and that they tend to hunt at night," the captain said. "Aside from that, I told them to look for vestiges of those creatures and that it would be helpful if they could bring a body of it since we need to study that kind of creature before they are used on large scales."

Rain had confidence that his friends wouldn\'t engage in reckless behavior when facing unfamiliar adversaries like those beasts.

He reasoned that the captain likely had no malicious intentions in asking the body of a werewolf to his friends. It was widely known that studying the biology of monsters could yield insights that could help in devising more effective strategies against them.

Given the circumstances, Rain weighed the possibility that Jori and her companions might still be engaged in the hunt for the werewolves. As a result, his decision not to act hastily but to exercise caution and patience seemed like the prudent course of action.

He considered the potential implications of his choices within the broader context of the situation, mindful of the intricate balance between urgency and careful consideration.

"I will resume my investigation immediately," Rain declared and then left the tent.

Although a hint of weariness clung to Rain, he recognized the urgency of the situation. Wasting daylight wasn\'t an option – it was his prime opportunity to uncover any traces of his missing friends.

Quickly and quietly, Rain collected some rations from the camp\'s supplies. The soldiers, it appeared, were averse to eating them, preferring to hunt and cook their own food instead.

With a plan forming in his mind, Rain opted to head south first. This particular region of the country had fewer nearby villages, making it an ideal target for potential monster invasions without arousing immediate suspicion.

Rain\'s strategic thinking guided his choices as he navigated the landscape with a mix of determination and anticipation, mindful of the pivotal role this day played in his quest.

"That seems kind of obvious, though… still, it isn\'t like we can put soldiers in every single corner of the border," Rain thought while he was using Impulse.

Rain\'s newly acquired equipment had dramatically enhanced his Impulse range, effectively doubling it to a remarkable one hundred and fifty meters with each stride.

As Rain scouted the border area, his initial instinct was to focus on the areas that seemed easier to traverse. However, he was mindful of the unique abilities possessed by werewolves – their acute sense of smell. This awareness prompted him to consider the possibility that these creatures could navigate at night while skillfully avoiding any scent trails left by pursuers.

Before noon, Rain opted to halt his progress. A subtle scent of smoke lingered in the air, even though no visible signs of it were present. He paused, his senses on high alert as he scanned his surroundings. After a brief moment, his efforts bore fruit as he identified faint traces of a campfire, an indication that someone or something had recently passed through the area.

"The enemies wouldn\'t make campfires on this side of the border… even less so if they are monsters," Rain thought while looking around. "They really came to this far south looking for monsters?"

Although Rain hadn\'t explicitly shared Branden\'s intentions, he couldn\'t discount the possibility that his friends had pieced together his plans. The fact that Branden initially hesitated to include Rain in their mission might have provided them with some insight.

Rain considered his companions, including Jori, Reca, Liss, Asche, and Terra. Given their ages – they were all nineteen – and the confidence they had gained during the war, he suspected that they wouldn\'t be overly concerned with proving themselves. Their experiences on the battlefield had likely contributed to their self-assuredness.

Amidst his thoughts, the sky above began to release raindrops. Rain couldn\'t help but emit a sigh, frustration evident on his face. It was almost ironic that the rain chose to arrive at such a crucial juncture, considering it hadn\'t appeared the previous day or during the night. The timing of the weather seemed almost like a testament to the unpredictability of circumstances.

"There are too many trees around… even with the full capacity of my mana, I won\'t be able to feel their presence through the ground."

The unrelenting rain showed no signs of weakening, leaving Rain with no choice but to run ahead despite the weather\'s harsh conditions. Undeterred by the elements, he resolved to rely on his own keen eyes to search for his friends.

With determination fueling each step, Rain ventured forth, brushing off the discomfort of the rain soaking his clothes. His concentration remained fixed on utilizing his Impulse ability to its fullest potential. The raindrops that seemed determined to obscure his path were met with his unwavering commitment to his purpose.

After a persistent effort, Rain\'s diligence bore fruit as he spotted a gathering of figures in the distance. Yet, his initial excitement gave way to a more tempered realization – the group appeared larger than he had anticipated. Doubts crept in; this sizable group seemed unlikely to be his friends.